2 Samuel 16:9,11 - "Why should this dead dog curse my lord the king? Let me go over, I pray thee, and take off his head...let him alone, and let him curse; for the Lord hath bidden him."

Matthew 7:15 - “Watch out for false prophets. They come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ferocious wolves.

Matthew 24:11 - “…and many false prophets will appear and deceive many people.”

Sunday, June 5, 2011

Robert Morris Issues Money-Back Guarantee on Tithe - But Says Christians MUST Tithe to Avoid Divorce, Losing Kids, Jobs to the "Devourer"

"But please, please, please hear me. I'll make you a deal. All right? You tithe for the rest of this year to Gateway Church, and if you're not fully satisfied, I'll give you your money back."-----------------------------------

Now I introduce to you Robert Morris, pastor of Gateway Church, a mega, multi-campus church in the Dallas-Ft. Worth area. He too, is using a false tithing doctrine to scare people into forking over more money to his church - but on May 21st he offered a money-back guarantee for those who do tithe for the rest of 2011 but end up not satisfied with the results at the end of the year (Click here and go to the 5/21/11 sermon to listen to Morris' entire message).

Robert preached two consecutive Sundays at Perry Noble's church May 15th and May 22nd on tithing and first-fruits giving. Robert teaches that you must give the FIRST 10% of your income (literally, the first check you write, the first withdraw after the pay deposit) in order for you to give an acceptable gift to God.

But on May 21st, Robert was preaching at his own church on tithing. And in that sermon he told his peeps that they MUST give 10% of their income to be blessed, and to in fact avoid calamity in their lives. He uses the same tactic Steve Gaines does at Belleuve Baptist Church - with a straight face he tells them that their money is all cursed of God if they don't tithe. How do they remove the curse? Easy, move the decimal on your paycheck one place to the left, and write a check in that amount to their church.

But what was unique about Robert's sermon on May 21st at his church, is he made a money-back satisfaction pledge to his people:

"But please, please, please hear me. I'll make you a deal. All right? You tithe for the rest of this year to Gateway Church, and if you're not fully satisfied, I'll give you your money back."

That is great. People of Gateway Church, take him up on that at the end of the year - but it is a pretty safe guarantee, since so few Christians actually do tithe.

But the interesting thing about his money-back guarantee is that it exposes the very weakness of his entire tithing doctrine and disproves it's premise. The premise of his demand for 10% of your money, is that you must give the first fruit, the first 10%, because it belongs to God, that it is not yours. But apparently you really are NOT giving it to God, you're giving it to Robert. Because if you were giving it to God, how could Robert say that HE (Robert) will give it back to you? I thought it was God's? How does Robert take God's money and give it back to someone? He misues the bible to make you think there are "curses" on you, your family, and your money if you don't exactly follow his interpretation of the bible regarding how you give your money. But if that is true, then wouldn't HE be under a curse for offering to give God's money BACK to someone that doesn't own it? No, because there are no curses, and HE KNOWS IT, and now we know he knows it with his get-your-money-back pledge.

You aren't giving it to God, you're giving it to the 501c(3) organization of Gateway Church, whose CEO is Robert Morris. But he wants you to think you are giving it to God, so that he can use the Bible to command that you give it to his 501c(3).

But then, like so many other mega church pastors are doing these days, he tries to tell the people that if they fail to tithe it might cause their marriages to fail, their kids to be lost, and their jobs and income to be in jeopardy. Like Mac Brunson and Steve Gaines, this man preaches that failure to tithe will cause you to have calamity befall you.

He says:

"The only reason I'm asking you to do this (tithe) is for your own good....I'm tired of hearing about families that are losing jobs and losing income and losing family and losing kids and losing marriages, because the devourer is devouring them. And he tells us very simply 'if you bring the tithe to the storehouse I (God) will rebuke the devourer for your sake.' It's a pretty good deal for 10%."

He may be tired of seeing his church members not blessed and suffering. But I'm tired of abusive megachurch pastors lying to their congregations, making them think that their hard times are because they do not tithe.

In Robert's scheme, no faith is required, really. Just fork over 10% to Robert's church, and you will be protected. This is what the mafia used to do to keep people in line in their neighborhoods - give the mafia their share and you'll be protected. It is raw scare tactics. It is a shameless con game to make people think that by giving money to Robert and his church, that they are paying off a holy mob boss and protecting their family. It is what the Roman Catholic Church did with indulgences in Luther's day.

Robert says the tithe will allow God to rebuke "the devourer". But really, do you know who is the devourer, Christian? It is these mega church pastors who can't stand to let you purpose in your heart, moved by the Holy Spirit, how much to give to your church. They feel it is their place to shame you, to lie to you, and to scare you into giving what they want you to give.

So Robert Morris, look into the mirror. Perhaps YOU are the devourer of your church members' lives.

128 comments:

Off Topic: the following anon comment was posted today back on the Tim Lee/Ergun Caner post from a few weeks ago:

"I'm aware that I'm a little late to the party, but given the remarks about Liberty, I'd like to take up for my school (sort of). Caner and his defenders are generally representative of the seminary, but the undergraduate Religion Department is another story. I have formed friendships with several professors in the undergrad religion department, and I can guarantee you that they, and from what they tell me others as well, wanted Caner to leave immediately, and weren't happy with him even before the story broke.

Yes, the school is messed up. But you have to keep in mind that a lot of professors have been there for a couple decades or more and haven't necessarily changed, even though the agenda of the university has. "

I recently confronted my (now former) pastor about the issue of legalism. Storehouse tithing was one of the points that I sought to highlight as false doctrine. Needless to say that the fact that I would dare hold him accountable to the Word was met with hostility. I did not get far.

It is fitting that in the visible, apostate, American church that the bondage of the Mosaic Law would be masqueraded as a means of blessing. People need to study the Pauline epistles, especially the book of Galatians, praying that the Holy Spirit of God will give understanding concerning the true liberty and freedom that is found in Christ. The Law brings death..... and legalism deludes people into thinking they are genuine Christians. No where does Paul speak favorably of using the Law as a means of following Christ, especially for Gentiles. The cultural attachment to the Law by the Jews is approched differently. However, Christ Jesus is the new and better Law giver, mediating a new and far superior covenant--we look to HIM not Moses, and we filter what Moses wrote through the lens of the New Covenant. A failure to do this leads, eventually, to some doctrinal error. Christians are in-lawed to Christ, sealed with the Spirit, and no longer enslaved to sin.

Watchdog is right expose these so-called Christian leaders. Many of the men behind the pulpit are not genuinely qualified according to the requirements of 1 Tim 3 and Titus 1. This ultimately is the sinful root cause, along with Christians neglecting their resposibilities as good soldiers and members of the Body of Christ, there are so many cases of spiritual abuse and injured sheep. Look only to Christ!

These pastors are always trying to help the Holy Spirit do his job. That's probably because, deep down, they know there's no such thing as the Holy Spirit. That's why so few Christians are moved by the Holy Spirit to do things like tithe.

I actually came across this same idea in a very small fundamentalist church. It was the first time I'd heard such a thing. The treasurer got up and made a similar announcement-"if you're not satisfied at the end of the year, you can ask for all of the money back." As if someone would actually do that. I can't imagine anybody taking them up on that and actually start tithing, then ask for it all back-unless they just had the guts to do it for the fun of it to mess with the church leadership.

"That's probably because, deep down, they know there's no such thing as the Holy Spirit. That's why so few Christians are moved by the Holy Spirit to do things like tithe."

The Holy Spirit does not move one to tithe because there is no tithe in the NC. The fact that as many people tithe as they are says a lot about biblical ignorance.

However, you cannot measure what Christians do for other Christians because the Holy Spirit led them to. Who can measure the believer who paid to fix the single mom's brakes on her car? Or the anonymous donor who slipped an envelope of money under the door of a strugging family.

Matthew 6 says we are not to tell of such things. Our left hand should not know what our right hand is doing.

In fact, Christendom's fancy buildings and weatlhy pastors are an indictment upon the Name of Christ.

Anon 11:02,Thanks for responding to my comments. I like what you said. Christians that quietly try to meet needs have my respect.

It's the high-pressure salesmen stuff that gets me. And the obvious threats. It's like the preachers are making you an offer you can't refuse. If people who believe in God would just realize that God has nothing to do with these preachers. The preachers love to make out like they and God are one and the same. If people could only see that them saying that does not make it so. If there is a God, surely he's as disgusted as we are!

I believe in tihing. I am not a legalist with it, I do not push and prod my people to tithe. We have some people who are very poor and have a hard time making ends meet, and if they come to me wanting to give to the Lord's work through our church, I typically tell them then they should give what they can, but make sure they are taking care of their other obligations; as that is a testimony, as well.

My problem with Robert Morris is IF you are giving to the Lord then it is not his (Morris') money to give back (with his money back guarantee) It is God's!

Kyle - exactly my point - he has exposed that he really doesn't believe the premise of his tithing doctrine.

He speaks of curses, he speaks of how one must write the first check for God to accept the offering and negate the curse, he speaks of the 10% not belonging to the person but to God...but IF this all is true, how can Robert decide to give it BACK to the person who never owned it to begin with? No where in scripture is this "money back guarantee" described, so I have to think he himself would be cursed to give it back.

I think that anon 10:58's comparison to Tetzel and indulgences is valid. I intend to vigorously oppose storehouse tithing, by the grace of GOD, when given the opportunity, much in the same passionate way Luther did the sell of indulgences--not mincing words and offending the religious crowd. It is unavoidable as men become vicious over their golden calf traditions. I am convinced by the Scriptures, as many Christians in history have been, that it is no small error to teach and bind this non-Christian doctrine on the consciences of redeemed New Covenant believers--rather it crosses over into blasphemy by distorting the posture of GOD towards the sheep.

A little leaven leavens the whole lumpGal 5:9 (ESV)

"Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— 14 so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.Gal 3:13-14 (ESV)

14 For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.Heb 10:14 (ESV)

I am amazed at the spiritual blindness of these supposed learned men! There is no one for one parallel concerning the Old Covenant tithing system and all that it emphasized with the Levitical system etc., and New Covenant, grace giving, involving currency or anything else material. The driving force of obedience in the New economy is love, by the enablement of the indwelling Spirit ......not fear of a curse from GOD. Most of these "tithers," certainly when opposed, lack anything resembling love.... just like the Pharisees.

Keep exposing these men who love to work it out in their flesh so as to have something to boast in, Watchdog. I have suffered unjustly at the hands of self-willed leadership also, so I empathize with you, brother.

Not to worry, Robert's church is not SBC. It is one of the new "emergent" churches. But it is sad to see that the SBC megas are teaching the same doctrines as these emergent churches when it comes to finances.

One of my favorite quotes by Robert Morris about tithing: he says he has told God, "God, why did you not put Malachi 3:10 in the New Testament? It would have made my job a lot easier"

Too funny. A mega church pastor telling God where the scripture should be.

He says it "missed the New Testament by only 25 verses".

Again, too funny.

These guys are really masters at their craft in convincing people that they must give 10% of their income to be blessed. They are modern day snakeoil salesman.

Let me tell you something...it is this nonsensical teaching by these modern snakeoil salesman that is doing the church in.

And think about these teachers: Noble, Robert Morris, Gaines, Brunson and Ed Young. What is there total audience per Sunday? I would say conservatively 75,000 people. That is the equivalenet of about 500 small churches. These guys are selling their snake oil on a large market and doing great harm to the body of Christ. It is sad.

I feel a breeze in the house right now...the windows must be open and the blessings are blowing in! June 5, 2011 9:08 PM

I do not tithe because I want God's blessing. I tithe because that was I am told to do in the bible.

The problem is that preachers like this make it seem like that if you do not tithe, God will punish you with tragic events or with hold things from you.

Also, I never hear this kind of preaching from anyone other than those mega church pastors who need an constant flow of cash to pay those mega salaries.

Maybe these sermons would "stick" a little better and not be so ridiculed if the pastors preaching these sermons stopped taking huge salaries and started passing on some of that cash to those in need and I am talking about more than 5% or 10%. They ask us to give till it hurts, but does not seem like they are willing to do the same.

WD-Just read your response to my post. I totally agree that this guy does not believe what he is teaching. If it is God's then it is not his to give back and you are right he would then be cursed for giving back as his people would be cursed for not giving at all. In fact, he really would be robbing God!

And thn he shows his complte ignorance by stating that Malachi 3:10 only misses the New Testament by 25 verses. Yeah, that and 400 years!

You can read my previous post (I'm not here to debate tithing) but this guy gives those of us who honestly want the best for our people a bad name and reputation.Kyle

From what I have understood in researching tithing in the Old Testament, if it were to carry over at all...it is on the surplus not the staples of one's needs. Payheck Gross tithing is gross negligence.

From what I have understood in researching tithing in the Old Testament, if it were to carry over at all...it is on the surplus not the staples of one's needs. Paycheck Gross tithing is gross negligence.

It is a New Testament survival reality program, rooted in the fear all humans have, all humans have a presupposition of not wanting to rule In less something is in you, they are trying to capture the fear causing disruption in normal progress for normal humans, if they are not getting away with it they are falling behind the program and may lead to extreme measures, in good taste of course.

And think about these teachers: Noble, Robert Morris, Gaines, Brunson and Ed Young. What is there total audience per Sunday? I would say conservatively 75,000 people. That is the equivalenet of about 500 small churches. These guys are selling their snake oil on a large market and doing great harm to the body of Christ. It is sad.

June 5, 2011 9:16 PM

There are the less obnoxious ones who are teaching the same thing but with more finesse.

I spoke with an elder of a mega that I know through business the other day and he admitted that money is tighter than it has ever been for them but if they layoff people, the money will dry up even faster. Why? It is all about the image they have created. The image is that their success in numbers is God's blessings and affirmation they are right. They have taught this for 20 years and the "blessings" of big, fancy and successful have flowed in.

They have put themselves into a catch 22 situation.Their answer is to launch more campaigns.

Many people actually believe these lies about what constitutes "spiritual" success. You see it here. in comments, all the time.

Malachi taught it Jesus fulfilled it Paul never said one iota about it

June 6, 2011 9:29 AM

Exactly. What is the saddest part of all of this is ignoring that Jesus fulfilled the law by His sacrfice. It is not enough for some people, they still want to live by the law. It makes them feel Holy.

Now, if they gave to another brother and sister who needs help, no one would know. They would not get the recognition as one who tithes by the powers that be. All they are doing is supporting a building and salaries.

AS for the CP, what is sent there has to pay for a large bureaucracy before any of it gets to the field.

Sending money directly to missionaries is now possible and a much better use of our money than to pay guys like Welch and Hemphill 6 figure salaries for their created jobs.

Several years ago, while channel surfing the "religious channels", I found Les Feldick....an OK rancher, Bible teacher, who has been teaching the Bible, verse by verse, for many years. He accepts no money for himself, has a small group of people who help with office work....and only uses money sent in for his air time. I have benefited greatly from his teaching. He stands in front of a blackboard with a small group of people at their desks. Back to the basics. His message is clear...study your Bible. If more people would get into The Word, there would not be as many deceived people sitting in the pews. We spend way too much time in churches trying to entertain...too much time in the pulpit telling stories and pontificating.....and not enough time on studying the Book.

I attended Ed Young's Fellowship Church for over 10 years, watching and marveling at how Ed and his family continued to be 'blessed' and how things just seemed to go right for that church. Then the private jet, the multi-million dollar houses, all the Neiman Marcus clothes, and the stable of high end luxury cars that he and his wife and all his kids drive.

All of that, on our 'tithe'. Pathetic. I don't go there anymore, and I am not alone in my abandonment. At a church that once had 2 full (4000+ ppl auditorium) services on Sat night and 3 on Sunday morn, can't even fill the downstairs in 1 Sat night service, and only fills the downstairs on 2 Sun morning services.

All Ed had to do was say these words: "I was wrong. Please forgive me."

Instead he said these words: "Just go ahead and fill out this card giving me your bank routing number and your acct number and we will take your tithe directly out of your account."

"Not to worry, Robert's church is not SBC. It is one of the new "emergent" churches. But it is sad to see that the SBC megas are teaching the same doctrines as these emergent churches when it comes to finances."

Wrong. Gateway is far from being an emergent church is not moving in that direction. One more thing that you are incorrect on but that's not surprising. Rarely have you been correct on most things.

Do you realize that you can disagree with someone's theology and doctrine without attacking them?

I believe I'm correct that Gateway is an "emergent church". Can you explain why they are not? I also believe I'm correct that they are not SBC.

Not attacking, but strongly pointing out a harmful, dangerous teaching that he has propagated through his church and also at Perry Noble's church.

Telling people they must give 10% to their church else their kids and marriages and incomes are in jeopardy is probably the most illogical, unbiblical, abusive, and self-serving heresies to come from a pulpit.

The money back guarantee will never be challenged by anyone. The church would never honor it because they'll claim some caveat that it wasn't off the gross income or that a check wasn't written each and every week. They'll make it nigh impossible to get a refund check.

Then again, it's that sort of integrity that I expect from our marquee pastors these days too.

Let me ask you only this: Did you receive the Spirit by works of the law or by hearing with faith? 3 Are you so foolish? Having begun by the Spirit, are you now being perfected by the flesh? 4 Did you suffer so many things in vain—if indeed it was in vain? 5 Does he who supplies the Spirit to you and works miracles among you do so by works of the law, or by hearing with faith— 6 just as Abraham “believed God, and it was counted to him as righteousness”?

7 Know then that it is those of faith who are the sons of Abraham. 8 And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel beforehand to Abraham, saying, “In you shall all the nations be blessed.” 9 So then, those who are of faith are blessed along with Abraham, the man of faith.Gal 3:2-9 (ESV)

Tell me, you who desire to be under the law, do you not listen to the law? 22 For it is written that Abraham had two sons, one by a slave woman and one by a free woman. 23 But the son of the slave was born according to the flesh, while the son of the free woman was born through promise. 24 Now this may be interpreted allegorically: these women are two covenants. One is from Mount Sinai, bearing children for slavery; she is Hagar. 25 Now Hagar is Mount Sinai in Arabia; she corresponds to the present Jerusalem, for she is in slavery with her children. 26 But the Jerusalem above is free, and she is our mother. 27 For it is written,

“Rejoice, O barren one who does not bear;

break forth and cry aloud, you who are not in labor!

For the children of the desolate one will be more

than those of the one who has a husband.”

28 Now you, brothers, like Isaac, are children of promise. 29 But just as at that time he who was born according to the flesh persecuted him who was born according to the Spirit, so also it is now. 30 But what does the Scripture say? “Cast out the slave woman and her son, for the son of the slave woman shall not inherit with the son of the free woman.” 31 So, brothers, we are not children of the slave but of the free woman.Gal 4:21-31 (ESV)

For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.Gal 5:1 (ESV)

Therefore remember that at one time you Gentiles in the flesh, called “the uncircumcision” by what is called the circumcision, which is made in the flesh by hands— 12 remember that you were at that time separated from Christ, alienated from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers to the covenants of promise, having no hope and without God in the world. 13 But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility 15 by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, 16 and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility. 17 And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near. 18 For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father. 19 So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God, 20 built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone, 21 in whom the whole structure, being joined together, grows into a holy temple in the Lord. 22 In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.Eph 2:11-22 (ESV)

Still waiting for the explanation on how the church is the storehouse. Everyone says it and tosses it around like they no what they are saying but never in five years of asking has anyone provided an explanation that the church has taken the place of the OT storehouse.

Thanks, Jonathan, that's all I can find too. Sunday after Sunday I hear storehouse tithing, bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, etc. but try as I might I can find no basis for calling the church the storehouse.Thanks for the scriptures too.

"Taking responsibility for your sin as a means of correcting behavior & mending relationships isn't repentance; its the enemy of repentance."

I thought owning up to our sin, asking for forgiveness, and professing Jesus to be the only mediator between God and man IS true repentance and WAS the way to mend our relationsihp with God? And I thought confessing our sin WAS the first step for correcting our behavior and the beginning of Sanctification? I mean, you have to admit you have a problem first, if you want to correct it, right?

This is a prime example of what is wrong with the FBCJax administration; Defiled religion and unwholesome theology.

This is a prime example of what is wrong with the FBCJax administration; Defiled religion and unwholesome theology.

June 6, 2011 9:48 PM

Amen 9:48And may I remind you that Jim Smyrl;s Loyal Heart Ministry is a personal gig of his own - when he got the Phd he totally chandged his demeanor. The adminstration makes big bucks, the wives work, and they've given positions to their own kids. I have no respect for these leaders -

I tithe because God laid it on my heart to give. I do not tithe to recieve blessings or because Im scared of curses. I tithe because I love God with all my heart, soul, mind and strength, and I want to acknowledge where it all comes from. God blesses us tremendously every day because he loves us. I tithe because I love Him and want to support His work. Tithing has helped me become less selfish and wanting to do more. I started out at 10% but now give much more and cant wait for opportunities to give. It is truly amazing how God has changed my heart and given me the gift of giving. It may have started out as a duty but it has become a priviledge to give. I will not be asking for any money back. I pray over every check I write and ask God to multiply it and use it for His glory. No matter what you think about tithing, just give!!! and I promise you will be blessed. I have.

You have to understand that this church is in one of the wealthiest communities in the country: Southlake, TX.

Many of these people exalt their wealth as a measure of God's love toward them. They believe that if you aren't wealthy, well it's because God obviously loves them more than you.

Anytime you hear the word "blessing" spoken by religious rich people, it is always referring to monetary blessings.

My point about classism is that rich people anywhere really don't care if the average person improves his or her lifestyle.

They view you as serfs who need to feel honored for bowing down to them and giving them your money. As a nation, we felt honored to give our tax dollars to major corporations in the form of bailouts that were supposedely going to "help" the public by creating jobs. Well, that never happened, did it? But when next time comes around, I guarantee we'll feel just as "honored."

In this area of Texas in general, especially in the current economy, you also hear a lot about how "all of these lazy people just want a handout and they're not getting MY (God's?) money."

so what i hear this man saying in a nut shell (pardon the expression) is that the blood of Jesus Christ is not powerful enough to protect me from a curse perpetrated by the devil if i do not give this man my money!? i have heart this taught first hand! they must compare notes. I wonder if they all get a memo or something? This is why they need to be silenced . they make the cross of Christ an unfinished and powerless work!! They sell the name of Jesus to build their kingdom.. hell is hot and very scary!! i believe that this is a grief to the Holy Spiorit! If i am not mistaken the unforgivable sin!

I have heard people argue in the past that tithing is an Old Testament concept which doesn't apply in the New Covenant. I don't think that's fully accurate. There's no reason to believe that Christians in the 21st century have God's permission to give less than 10%. Lots of things changed from the Old to the New Covenants, but the bar never went LOWER.

On the contrary, whenever Jesus said "You have heard it said...but now I say to you," he always raised the bar. You heard it said you shouldn't murder, but now I'm going to raise the bar and say that you shouldn't even hate. You've heard it said that you shouldn't divorce, but now I'm going to tell you that you shouldn't even look at a woman with lust in your heart. You've heard it said that you should give 10%, but now I say to you...

What Biblical or commonsensical reason do we have to believe that Jesus would be satisfied with those who give less than 10%? What reason is there, apart from wanting the money for one's own self, to give less than 10%?

“Tithe” teachers and those who succumb to their teaching, flippantly toss out this "tithe is 10%" line. Sorry to burst bubbles (not really) but the OT tithes totaled 23% of the produce of the land and the flocks and herds. So if one were tithing in any meaningful biblical sense you would need to be writing checks for just over 23% of your paycheck. Let’s get real. This “tithe” teaching is relatively modern having become fashionable in American churches in only the latter half of the 19th century. It is unscriptural and offensive; not only to the integrity of scripture and believers, but to the Cross of Christ. If you are giving 10% of your income, that’s fine. It’s a personal decision, I hope, and between your conscience and God but please to aware giving 10% of your income is not "tithing" in any scriptural sense. This "tithe" teaching becomes a signicant problem when folks like Morris twist it into an moral obligation or compulsion and use scriptural invectives directed to people under the OT Law to bludgeon and intimidate Christians under the blessings of grace. They pervert scripture and damage the body of Christ. It is disgusting. Just one more thing. Thank you FBC Jax Watchdog for your diligence. Blessings.

A little context...Pastor Robert just moved from an average Southlake house (worth around $500K) to a more expensive spread in the area. I have been told worth well over $1M. He also owns a $800K house on Possum Kingdom Lake west of DFW equipped with high-end wakeboard boat and jet skis. He and his wife drive new, high-end autos (Porsche 911 for him and BMW 750 for her). Oh...Robert does drive just an average $70K Landcruiser as his everyday vehicle. No pretentious Lexus version for him. Other top folks at Gateway do pretty well also. Of course, the new Church facility in Southlake is off the charts. Recently bought a church in Friso, TX...another wealthy suburb in the DFW area. Puts some perspective on why tithing is so important at Gateway and churches like it. Leadership's opulent lifestyles would cease if the tithes dwindle...and this would truly be a curse...for them.

Listen to the sermon. Read the book (The Blessed Life). It is not a money principle. It is a happiness principle.

As explained, tithing is the only thing in the Bible on which God invites you to test him. This is the basis behind his “Money-Back Guarantee.” Skepticism is expected.

Based on the comments already posted, many probably pride themselves as being open-minded. Use that quality and look at the message. If you really want to test it, with an open mind (and heart) take him up on his challenge and try tithing. Try it to any church you wish to call home. You will be blessed (more fulfilled). There is no promise of more money. But you will be surprised on how your needs are met.

Tithing is not going to grant you salvation. Jesus can do that.

I am not a pastor or life-long Christian. I am not a wealth of scriptures (the sermon can do much better than I can on such things). When I got married in 1/04, I was a graduate assistant making about $830 net per week. I was not saved, but married a woman (unemployed student) with a Christian background. She taught me the concept of tithing and we did it from check one as a married couple. Like most, I feel like I do not have enough in my savings to be satisfied. However, we have never worried about having enough to meet our needs. I attribute that entirely to God and his tithing promise.

Churches and pastors will have to account to what they did with the money they received. Tithe and you will be blessed.

Listen to the sermon. Read the book (The Blessed Life). It is not a money principle. It is a happiness principle.

As explained, tithing is the only thing in the Bible on which God invites you to test him. This is the basis behind his “Money-Back Guarantee.” Skepticism is expected.

Based on the comments already posted, many probably pride themselves as being open-minded. Use that quality and look at the message. If you really want to test it, with an open mind (and heart) take him up on his challenge and try tithing. Try it to any church you wish to call home. You will be blessed (more fulfilled). There is no promise of more money. But you will be surprised on how your needs are met.

Tithing is not going to grant you salvation. Jesus can do that.

I am not a pastor or life-long Christian. I am not a wealth of scriptures (the sermon can do much better than I can on such things). When I got married in 1/04, I was a graduate assistant making about $830 net per month I was not saved, but married a woman (unemployed student) with a Christian background. She taught me the concept of tithing and we did it from check one as a married couple. Like most, I feel like I do not have enough in my savings to be satisfied. However, we have never worried about having enough to meet our needs. I attribute that entirely to God and his tithing promise.

Churches and pastors will have to account to what they did with the money they received. Tithe and you will be blessed.

I just happened across your website. As a member of this church I am offended by your blatant misuse and taking the teachings of Ps. Morris out of context.

The sum total of his teaching on giving is not giving to get the blessings, but giving out of your relationship and love for God - allowing Him to direct your giving through His Word and your relationship with him.

Honestly - all the scare tactics are from people like you - not Ps. Robert. Gateway has a ministry for that, too. FREEDOM.

My prayer for those who would stir up discord among the brethren because they are convinced they are the only right way to interpret Scripture is their way... It has always struck me as odd that a person who advocates that a teacher is "unbiblical" would take it to the blog post and broadcast it to the world wide web rather than taking a Matthew 18 approach to addressing the offense. I can't judge your heart, but out of the mouth the heart speaks. And so I pray that you would realize that you are not promoting unity in the body or providing a service to the "Church" by lamenting your disagreement in public without giving Ps. Robert Morris the opportunity to respond. The first commendation is to go privately and confront the offense. How is your response here Biblical?

Proverbs 6:12-19 (NKJV) 12 A worthless person, a wicked man, Walks with a perverse mouth; 13 He winks with his eyes, He shuffles his feet, He points with his fingers; 14 Perversity is in his heart, He devises evil continually, He sows discord. 15 Therefore his calamity shall come suddenly; Suddenly he shall be broken without remedy. 16 These six things the Lord hates, Yes, seven are an abomination to Him: 17 A proud look, A lying tongue, Hands that shed innocent blood, 18 A heart that devises wicked plans, Feet that are swift in running to evil, 19 A false witness who speaks lies, And one who sows discord among brethren.

I am a member of Gateway Church. Have been for around 6 years. I have been on staff in a part time capacity for about 5 years. I do not make a lot. I am a college student paying my way. I will be the first to admit that tithing has been a struggle for me. But I will say that what Pastor, which is what Ps stands for, Robert believes everything that he says. And he applies it to. The Blessed Life is not about money. Knowing Pastor Robert, I can say securely that he does not care about money. Did you know that all of the proceeds from the Blessed Life book go to the church? Not one cent goes to him. That was set up from the beginning, his "tithe" to God. You may not agree with Gateway's teachings on tithing, but I can say this, we never pass the plate. The offering boxes are located on the back walls. Always have been. And Gateway is known as one of the most giving churches. People give out of a love for God. And, being on the inside, I get to see the blessings that God is heaping upon His people day in and day out. Now, I realize that this post will most likely be attacked, disregarded as indoctrinated hogwash and other things. And frankly, I don't care. But, please do your homework on the ministry taking place at Gateway before you attack the character of its pastor. And just fyi, on the money back offer, Robert is talking about being willing to give his own money to those who are dissatisfied.

My psychologist recommended I attend Kairos at Gateway Church to experience deep healing that I was unable to find on my own, or with her. Those two days changed my life. Besides healing from childhood wounds, one big take-away was that we are put on earth for God's pleasure, and we are His strategy in this world, led by His Spirit. I cannot say enough good things about Kairos and Gateway Church.

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" 2 Cor 9:7

My question is WHY CAN'T ROBERT JUST TEACH FROM THE ABUNDANCE OF NT SCRIPTURES ON GIVING!!!!!????!!! Why are scriptures like 2 Cor 9:7 not good enough for him. Why must he go back to Malachi and the Law of Moses!!!!! Why!

The reality is because people will not give 10% and he wants 10%. He wants it so bad that he will put you under an old Covenant to make it happen. The funny part is that he doesn't even understand the tithe. Read Dt 14. The tithe was a 7 year cycle and every third and sixth year the tithe went primarily to the poor and on the 7th year there was no tithe because the land rested. Also the people ate their own tithe and gave the rest to the levites and poor. Also, only those with land and cattle tithed. All of the other people did not. Also when the quote "tithes and offerings" from Malachi - offerings means the sin offer, peace offering, wave offering and all of the other offerings and have nothing to do with money.

In fact the law of tithing is so complex and sparsely documented in the OT that most theolgians disagree on the details of it. Read any major commentary on it and you'll find the same. However fortunately now we have a "better covenant, which was established upon better promises" Heb 8:6

"For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself." Gal 5:14

So yes, our new covenant has commandments, but they are simple and written in our hearts and John summed them up here :"And this is his commandment, That we should believe on the name of his Son Jesus Christ, and love one another, as he gave us commandment."

The Law of Moses is GONE so stop tithing. Give 9% or 11%, but I suggest you give dynamically by faith as you are led by the Spirit. Give by FAITH!

The "Law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster". Gal 3:24

So we to not pay a tithe or give an compulsoary amount!!! Abraham didn't! neither did anyone before the Law of Moses was delivered from mount Sanai! Only one time did Abraham give 10% of not his own wealth, but the wealth of the spoil of a battle he won. And he did this to show that the priesthood we are in now is better then the levitical one.

Paul told the church not to tithe by establishing a new way here :

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" 2 Cor 9:7

A couple of items I'd like to add. First off - I tithe 10% of my income to my church. It is probably not the first bill that goes out, but I have it scheduled at the same time each month. I feel it is the right thing to do, yet it actually took me a long time to get the guts up to do it. Then when I did my taxes (Turbo Tax) and saw how dramatically LESS giving I showed compared to the average deduction taken in my tax bracket, that helped to push me to give.

Not that the point of your observations are lost on me, but just as I approach any preacher asking for money with caution – I would caution you and your audience to refrain from gross overgeneralizations, of which I’ve seen plenty in these comments.

On Robert Morris/Gateway - Morris is different. Guys - look past the NORMAL prejudice & stigma associated with mega-churches and their pastors and do some research on the target of your criticism. The Morris’ testimony gives them license to encourage their flock to give…and they encourage them to give beyond the tithe. Their giving has caused them to be blessed. This couple has given away several houses over the years; leaving themselves without one and believing God for blessing. Additionally they’ve given many, many, many cars away; not because they are rich – because they believe in giving – subsequently they’ve been blessed. This is the principle on which the church was founded.

Is there any mega-church or mega-church pastor not the recipient of your wrath? I’m curious. Don’t get me wrong – I appreciate what you are doing because there truly are so many slime-balls out there taking advantage of people’s emotions to get rich and they need to be exposed. But is anyone looking at the good some of these ‘mega-churches’ are doing with all of that money? Gateway, for instance, provides countless services, education, etc. for not only members, but the general public.

Finally – on the topic of Robert Morris giving back the ‘tithe’ to someone who has tithed for a year, yet not experienced the benefit thereof. Where in the content was the assertion derived that the pastor is ‘taking God’s tithe’ and returning it to the congregant? What he says is that he will return the money the person tithed – would Pastor Morris not have enough money to cover the amount tithed? Guys – you lose credibility when you practice what so many preachers do – cherry picking comments from context in order to further self-interests. Wouldn’t you agree that is being done here? Robert Morris is not asserting that he is God, on a level with God, owns the tithe, nor do his comments substantiate the claims that the pastor's ‘true’ thought process indicates he actually believes that member tithes are for him…come on, get real. If he really were dishonest he would certainly have been very successful doing it – and not likely to make such a slip-up. Keep up the watch – but stay factual, not just speculative - ok? Please.

Derik D - You sound like a liberal calling into a republican radio talk show. You present no facts or theological basis for your point of view. You are just upset because you disagree and express that emotionally.

Paul would rather die then preach like Robert Morris. He said "I would rather die, than that any man should make my glorying void....What is my reward then? Verily that, when I preach the gospel, I may make the gospel of Christ without charge, that I abuse not my power in the gospel" 1 Cor 9:15

Here is what Martin Luther had to say on the subject :"But the other commandments of Moses, which are not [implanted in all men] by nature, the Gentiles do not hold. Nor do these pertain to the Gentiles, such as the TITHE and others" - Martin Luther

In the protestant reformation we witness countless martyrs who were burned at the stake and killed for the purpose of freeing us from mandatory preformance in paying money, church attendance, or any other compulsorary act in order to obtain favor with God and receive salvation which only comes by "faith alone". The blood of Jesus obtained all the favor we could ever get with God. God is not waiting to open the windows of heaven on us. He is not with holding financial blessing from His son's until we start tithing. "For all the promises of God in him are yea, and in him Amen, unto the glory of God by us" 2 Cor 1:20. Paul said if you circumsize yourself to obtain favor with God you have falled from Grace (that's sort of like losing your salvation....scary). And I say to you that if you tithe to obtain favor with God then you have fallen from Grace. It's a slap in the face to Jesus who already purchased your freedom. "Give as you purpose in your heart, not of nessecity" 1 Cor 9:7

BTW, here is a conversation I had with the pastor of Upper Room on the subject of tithing.....it didn't go so well. He later slammed the anonymous emails he got from the pulpit as being cowardly because it was anonymous. I just didn't want him to treat me differently after the conversation :(

One thing about Pastor Robert that you need to know. If you read his book FBC Jax watchdog and Jim Bob you probably would. He has given away all of his savings, investments, houses, and hundreds of cars. God is going to bless people who are givers. Every time God has told me and my wife to give he has blessed us greatly. For example my wife and I were both had full scholarship through school at public schools. Also the other leaders at the church have given all their possessions away multiple times. Being a Christian is about loving people and loving God and Robert is a great example of caring about people.

Jacob - No one here is arguing the benifits of giving. That is not even a discussion on the table here. Obviously it is great to give. Why do you guys keep arguing that. You are arguing with the wall. Nobody disagrees!!!

The discussion at hand is one about when Robert says you HAVE to give to not get sick, fall into poverty or have something bad happen in your life. That is the message of the Mosaic OT tithe....if you don't do it you are under a curse. Christ redeemed us from the curse, not the tithe!!! God "hath blessed us with all spiritual blessings in heavenly places in Christ". All of God's blessings were given to Abraham and to his Seed by promise and they are received by faith and not by a work of paying a tithe or cirumcision or any other thing. There is no more law, hence no more curse or devourer, because the blessing of Abraham which is every good thing you can imagine is now recevied by "faith alone". Read Galations 3 - "Christ hath redeemed us from the CURSE of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree. That the BLESSING OF ABRAHAM might come on the Gentiles THROUGH Jesus Christ [not tithing]; that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith". God will not rebuke the devourer anymore as Robert promises if you tithe. That was the old covenant based on old promises. But now we have a "better covenant, which was established upon better promises" Heb 8:6

So when people come to Gateway looking for freedom from defeat in life, Robert will point them not to the cross, the blood, the blessing of God's promise which is by faith in Christ; instead Robert will point them to the LAW OF MOSES. He says in the video you MUST pay your tithe for your kids to not be sick or die early. And don't say tithe was before law, because so was circumcision. If you try to take your "works" + "the blood of Jesus" to the throne of Grace to obtain favor and blessing from God, then you "have fallen from Grace".

You see, its justification that gives you access to God's blessings. It's all a matter of justification. Once you are justified in the sight of God, all things He has are now available to you. You become his son and a part of his family, like the father said to his son in Luke 15:31 "all that I have is thine". To try to do anything other then believe on the Lord Jesus Christ to obtain favor and blessing from God is an afront to Christ. "Knowing that a man is not justified by the works of the law, but by the faith of Jesus Christ, even we have believed in Jesus Christ, that we might be justified" Gal 2:16

How are the sick healed? "The prayer of faith will heal the sick" James 5:15

How does God supply our finacial need? "my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus" Phil 4:19

What is God's plan for protecting Christians from bad things?"these signs shall follow them that believe; In my name...They shall take up serpents; and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them; they shall lay hands on the sick, and they shall recover" Mk 16:17

Wow, nothing about tithe there!!! Preach a mandatory tithe to obtain favor from God is heresey and it is death. "Now if the ministry of death, carved in letters on stone" 2 Cor 3:7

It is the enemy :"by abolishing in His flesh the enmity, which is the Law of commandments contained in ordinances" Eph 2:15

And it has been nailed to the cross : "Blotting out the handwriting of ordinances that was against us, which was contrary to us, and took it out of the way, nailing it to his cross" Col 2:14

I have read most of the comments. Not wanting to throw the baby out with the bath water, I agree that giving to other people in need is part of a Christians ministry. BUT, when I heard Pastor Morris state on his television broadcast that he taught tithing so that his congregation would be delivered from the "curse" I questioned his choice of words or maybe even motives. Jesus Christ's death on the cross delivered all believers from every curse, period.

tithing is not just a mosaic law thing, it is not just an old testament thing. the first tithes took place hundreds of years before the law and Jesus mentions the tithe in Matthew 23...dont use this as an excuse not to tithe. there is no way to get to the level of "giving" if you dont tithe in the first place. the bible says BRING the tithe to the storehouse. we need to stop trying to seperate the new from the old testaments it is ONE book. Jesus said that he came to fulfill the law not destroy it so how do we try to take the right to destroy it if Jesus didnt? First fruits and first borns is a very powerful and important piece of scripture. Lets not argue scripture but embrace it. love you all.

Here is the problem I have with Mega-churches. A church to me in an embodiment of God. You go to church to be part of a family. I went to this church once or twice just to take a look. I grew up in the "barn churches" in the 70s where you maybe had 50-100 people on a good sunday. The reason for the church really was not only for prayer and worship but you went to be part of a bigger family and community. If a family was in need sitting in the back row, you most likely knew about it or heard about it and you really got to know that family, for the good or bad. And everyone came together when that family needed help or that father or mother lost a son or daughter in a war. In this church or churches like these, I just don't see that embodiment. You can be sitting in a row and have not a clue that someone 2 miles down in another row is suffering or has a need. To me its just sad that its so impartial of a place to go to when there is that many people.

Steve, tithing IS a mosaic law thing. The only two occurances of tithing before the mosaic law was Abraham’s one time tithe of not his own wealth, but the spoil of a battle. The only other time was when Jacob also out of his free will gave a tithe one time as a thank you to God. The Mosaic law required Jews to tithe, keep feasts, Sabbaths, sacrificial offerings, food laws and so much more. You and many other pastors tell us that these feasts, Sabbaths, animal sacrifices and food preparation laws are done away with, yet you tell us the tithing law is still in full force to obtain an “open heaven” from God. Yes, Jesus did not destroy the law, but he did fulfill and replaced the Mosaic covenant with a “better covenant, established on better promises” Heb 8:6. We no longer have to follow the letter of the law because we have “a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit; for the letter kills, but the Spirit gives life” 2 Cor 3:6. Paster Steve, the law has been nailed to the cross and been done away with because Jesus “having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross.” We are now dead to the law and we serve Christ as Paul said, “you also have become dead to the law through the body of Christ, that you may be married to another” Rom 7:4 We now serve Christ in the Spirit instead of following ordinances in the law such as tithing. “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith. 25 But after that faith is come, we are no longer under a schoolmaster.” Gal 3:24.

What more proof need anybody other then those scriptures to know that we are now under a new covenant with better promises and not serving the letter of the law, but a “new and living way” Heb 10:20 in Christ. Always when I present such scripture to a person such as you they back down and say, “well, tithing is just a principle”. But Jesus, Peter, James, John, or Paul never once told the church to tithe. In matthew 23 Jesus said to the Jews who were still under the law that they should tithe, but that’s because the law had not been nailed to the cross yet and the Spirit and new living way had not been paved through the flesh of Christ.

If what I have already written did not already settle all dispute for you then this should. When the church was contemplating what part of the law of Moses to keep such as Circumcision, Feasts and Tithing, they wrote to Peter, James and John in Jeruselam and this is how they responded : “Forasmuch as we have heard, that certain which went out from us have troubled you with words, subverting your souls, saying, Ye must be circumcised, and keep the law: to whom we gave no such commandment: … For it seemed good to the Holy Ghost, and to us, to lay upon you no greater burden than these necessary things; 29 That ye abstain from meats offered to idols, and from blood, and from things strangled, and from fornication: from which if ye keep yourselves, ye shall do well. Fare ye well. “ Acts 20:28

And then finally we are told how to give to the local church in 2 Cor 9:7 “So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.”. Now that sounds like our new covenant doesn’t it? So lets preach that!

Lastly I find it impossible to give in a church where the leadership demands that we tithe in order to find Grace and favor with God (an open heaven). This is because if you attempt to use anything other then faith in the cross to get God to move on your behalf you will actually shut heaven. “You have become estranged from Christ, you who attempt to be justified by law; you have fallen from grace” Gal 5:4 If you go to the throne of grace with any work other then the work of faith in the blood of the cross then you become guilty of the whole law.

As a person who has attended Gateway church, I can say that they are very concerned with how much their members give - so much that if a person applies for a job or even for a position of volunteer leadership, they check their giving records. If they aren't giving "enough" they are turned down. Also if a person is employed and their giving isn't up to their standards, it is a reason for termination. They have even called members in to ask them why they haven't keep up with their volunteer pledges to the building campaign. Robert Morris and the leadership of this church are more concerned about how much people give to Gateway than they are about how well the people are doing in their personal lives.

These comments seemed to be filled with anger and bitterness. I understand because if someone is preaching heresy that is a very troubling thing.But as I read, I also picked up on a lot of arguments that leave out the other side. There needs to be some reconciling of the doctrines here.When it comes to tithing, and whether or not that is "Old Covenant" or "Law" and not a part of the "New Covenant"...here are a few thoughts I didn’t see.Under the Law, tithing was a practice...but it was not a part of salvation. Never has been. The purpose of tithing was two-fold: Obedience to God, and provision for the House of God. It has been said it is no longer an obedience issue, because we are under NC. I'm not sure the NC has been described properly on most of these posts...I'll cover that briefly in a moment. But even if we determine it to NOT be a matter of obedience...it is still the only way given in scripture to provide for the House of God. And I didn’t read any solution to that. In Nehemiah 13, you see that once the tithes were no longer brought in, all of the workers in the temple were forced to go back to their homes and fields. This was a very negative thing...and actually played a big part in the Jews being led astray from God again. They weren't being fed and encouraged regularly to serve God, because the workers were all gone, and they weren't giving anymore so God was out of sight & mind.The interesting thing that I see when people get all heated up about OC vs NC is that the NC isn't easier...it's harder. Living under Grace is much harder than living under Law. Are you kidding...Murder is wrong, or getting angry is wrong??? Committing adultery is wrong, or lusting in your heart is wrong??? It is not even close. Jesus took it to such another level...so there is nothing we can do to earn salvation, because when God measures sin, He always can go another level deeper that we could never meet up to. I am glad we are under Grace, because Jesus did the work. But not, I follow Him, not me. And this is where I will wrap up...When it comes to the New Covenant...Jesus made it very simple. You really don't have to follow all of these rules...making sure that you give me a day a week, or perform all these sacrifices, celebrate all the festivals, and why not, we'll even throw in the tithe. You don't even have to give me 10% anymore. Here is ALL YOU HAVE TO DO...give Me EVERYTHING. Lay your life down...the same that you have seen Me do. And do it everyday. So instead of giving me 10%...all of your money is mine. But not just your money...everything. If you don't take up your cross daily, you're not worthy of following Me. Paul said, we are "Living Sacrifices". We no longer sacrifice animals, now we sacrifice our very selves. And in the New Covenant Church, people are not shown tithing, they are shown selling everything they own and giving it to the others in the Church.Part of me wonders why I took the time to respond to this. I feel as if there are a lot of angry people. Why you would attack someone like a Robert Morris so vehemently just seems contrary to the Gospel, and counter-productive. Maybe he emphasized money too much, maybe he doesn't. He'll answer to God. But when the answers are so angry and heated, all it does is stir up anger in others toward another person (Robert Morris) which is NOT a part of the New Covenant that was so loudly shouted in nearly every post. Under the NC, Jesus said there are 2 Commandments that are greater than all of them...Love God, and Love People. I challenge you to pray for the mega Church Pastors, and to pray for the small Church Pastors too. Jesus prayed for unity...and my prayer is: "Father God, please forgive me when I choose to judge harshly and fail to pray, forgive me when I choose to let my own feelings fly, while failing to truly love others. Help my love for others be a mirror reflection of Your love for people."

You stated that tithing "is still the only way given in scripture to provide for the House of God. And I didn’t read any solution to that."

Paul started numerous gentile churches in every corner of the world during that time. He was the head of the gentile church and he very clearly in numerous scriptures directed exactly how the church bishops, deacons and elders should be supported. Why don't you know those scriptures? You seem like an intellgent individual. Good communicators such as yourself and so many other educated people like you who push tithing seem to be oblivious to the great wealth of scriptures in the NC epistles on how to give. One of the most outstanding of those scriptures has been posted numerous times in this very blog :

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" 2 Cor 9:7

The problem with these scriptures and preaching the pure gospel of Grace for most pastors is it does not compel their congregations to give nearly as much as if they put them under the law and use lowly fear tactics like Robert does to scare their ignorant congrations into paying 10% of their gross income. So in short, the Old Covenant compulsurory teaching which was designed for servants works far better for Robert then teaching a new Covenant Grace designed and paid for by the blood of Christ for sons of God.

The reality is, we now serve God through the Spirit of Grace in Love and Faith and not through a code writtin on stone and pages and pages of ordinance. The have been nailed to the cross and we have been raised up into heavenly places to serve God in a new and living way!

You say we owe God more then 10% now and that we owe Him everything. You point is???....I still pray and seek God on how much to give to my local church, the poor, widows, charities and such and for me personally I have had times where I was led to give 5%, 2% or nothing for a period of time.

Do you know that the jews ate their own tithe when the brought it to Jeruselem three times a year and gave the left overs to the levites? Did you know that the every third year the tithe went strictly to the poor? Did you know that the tithe was only on their crops and animals but they didn't tithe on other increases such as the clothing, home building, and the countless other trades and services they traded? So the tithe was not even close to 10% of their annual income. Not even close! Many people didn't even have crops or animals to tithe off of. Paul was simply a tent maker. These people just gave a temple tax as they purposed in their heart.

Anyway, this is a rediculous argument. Paul was so clear that we are to give to the elders and support those who feed us the Word, but he never said how much to give other then what you will in your heart. But for guys like Robert, they don't have enough faith in Gospel that Paul preached to fund their church. So they preach from the law of Moses and threaten sickness and poverty (the curse of the law) if you do not obey it. It's heresy. Am I bitter? I would like to think it's righteous indignation. God will judge.

You stated that tithing "is still the only way given in scripture to provide for the House of God. And I didn’t read any solution to that."

Paul started numerous gentile churches in every corner of the world during that time. He was the head of the gentile church and he very clearly in numerous scriptures directed exactly how the church bishops, deacons and elders should be supported. Why don't you know those scriptures? You seem like an intellgent individual. Good communicators such as yourself and so many other educated people like you who push tithing seem to be oblivious to the great wealth of scriptures in the NC epistles on how to give. One of the most outstanding of those scriptures has been posted numerous times in this very blog :

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" 2 Cor 9:7

The problem with these scriptures and preaching the pure gospel of Grace for most pastors is it does not compel their congregations to give nearly as much as if they put them under the law and use lowly fear tactics like Robert does to scare their ignorant congrations into paying 10% of their gross income. So in short, the Old Covenant compulsurory teaching which was designed for servants works far better for Robert then teaching a new Covenant Grace designed and paid for by the blood of Christ for sons of God.

The reality is, we now serve God through the Spirit of Grace in Love and Faith and not through a code writtin on stone and pages and pages of ordinance. The have been nailed to the cross and we have been raised up into heavenly places to serve God in a new and living way!

You say we owe God more then 10% now and that we owe Him everything. You point is???....I still pray and seek God on how much to give to my local church, the poor, widows, charities and such and for me personally I have had times where I was led to give 5%, 2% or nothing for a period of time.

Do you know that the jews ate their own tithe when the brought it to Jeruselem three times a year and gave the left overs to the levites? Did you know that the every third year the tithe went strictly to the poor? Did you know that the tithe was only on their crops and animals but they didn't tithe on other increases such as the clothing, home building, and the countless other trades and services they traded? So the tithe was not even close to 10% of their annual income. Not even close! Many people didn't even have crops or animals to tithe off of. Paul was simply a tent maker. These people just gave a temple tax as they purposed in their heart.

Anyway, this is a rediculous argument. Paul was so clear that we are to give to the elders and support those who feed us the Word, but he never said how much to give other then what you will in your heart. But for guys like Robert, they don't have enough faith in Gospel that Paul preached to fund their church. So they preach from the law of Moses and threaten sickness and poverty (the curse of the law) if you do not obey it. It's heresy. Am I bitter? I would like to think it's righteous indignation. God will judge.

You stated that tithing "is still the only way given in scripture to provide for the House of God. And I didn’t read any solution to that."

Paul started numerous gentile churches in every corner of the world during that time. He was the head of the gentile church and he very clearly in numerous scriptures directed exactly how the church bishops, deacons and elders should be supported. Why don't you know those scriptures? You seem like an intellgent individual. Good communicators such as yourself and so many other educated people like you who push tithing seem to be oblivious to the great wealth of scriptures in the NC epistles on how to give. One of the most outstanding of those scriptures has been posted numerous times in this very blog :

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" 2 Cor 9:7

The problem with these scriptures and preaching the pure gospel of Grace for most pastors is it does not compel their congregations to give nearly as much as if they put them under the law and use lowly fear tactics like Robert does to scare their ignorant congrations into paying 10% of their gross income. So in short, the Old Covenant compulsurory teaching which was designed for servants works far better for Robert then teaching a new Covenant Grace designed and paid for by the blood of Christ for sons of God.

The reality is, we now serve God through the Spirit of Grace in Love and Faith and not through a code writtin on stone and pages and pages of ordinance. The have been nailed to the cross and we have been raised up into heavenly places to serve God in a new and living way!

You say we owe God more then 10% now and that we owe Him everything. You point is???....I still pray and seek God on how much to give to my local church, the poor, widows, charities and such and for me personally I have had times where I was led to give 5%, 2% or nothing for a period of time.

Do you know that the jews ate their own tithe when the brought it to Jeruselem three times a year and gave the left overs to the levites? Did you know that the every third year the tithe went strictly to the poor? Did you know that the tithe was only on their crops and animals but they didn't tithe on other increases such as the clothing, home building, and the countless other trades and services they traded? So the tithe was not even close to 10% of their annual income. Not even close! Many people didn't even have crops or animals to tithe off of. Paul was simply a tent maker. These people just gave a temple tax as they purposed in their heart.

Anyway, this is a rediculous argument. Paul was so clear that we are to give to the elders and support those who feed us the Word, but he never said how much to give other then what you will in your heart. But for guys like Robert, they don't have enough faith in Gospel that Paul preached to fund their church. So they preach from the law of Moses and threaten sickness and poverty (the curse of the law) if you do not obey it. It's heresy. Am I bitter? I would like to think it's righteous indignation. God will judge.

You stated that tithing "is still the only way given in scripture to provide for the House of God. And I didn’t read any solution to that."

Paul started numerous gentile churches in every corner of the world during that time. He was the head of the gentile church and he very clearly in numerous scriptures directed exactly how the church bishops, deacons and elders should be supported. Why don't you know those scriptures? You seem like an intellgent individual. Good communicators such as yourself and so many other educated people like you who push tithing seem to be oblivious to the great wealth of scriptures in the NC epistles on how to give. One of the most outstanding of those scriptures has been posted numerous times in this very blog :

"Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver. And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that having all sufficiency in all things at all times, you may abound in every good work" 2 Cor 9:7

The problem with these scriptures and preaching the pure gospel of Grace for most pastors is it does not compel their congregations to give nearly as much as if they put them under the law and use lowly fear tactics like Robert does to scare their ignorant congrations into paying 10% of their gross income. So in short, the Old Covenant compulsurory teaching which was designed for servants works far better for Robert then teaching a new Covenant Grace designed and paid for by the blood of Christ for sons of God.

The reality is, we now serve God through the Spirit of Grace in Love and Faith and not through a code writtin on stone and pages and pages of ordinance. The have been nailed to the cross and we have been raised up into heavenly places to serve God in a new and living way!

You say we owe God more then 10% now and that we owe Him everything. You point is???....I still pray and seek God on how much to give to my local church, the poor, widows, charities and such and for me personally I have had times where I was led to give 5%, 2% or nothing for a period of time.

Do you know that the jews ate their own tithe when the brought it to Jeruselem three times a year and gave the left overs to the levites? Did you know that the every third year the tithe went strictly to the poor? Did you know that the tithe was only on their crops and animals but they didn't tithe on other increases such as the clothing, home building, and the countless other trades and services they traded? So the tithe was not even close to 10% of their annual income. Not even close! Many people didn't even have crops or animals to tithe off of. Paul was simply a tent maker. These people just gave a temple tax as they purposed in their heart.

Anyway, this is a rediculous argument. Paul was so clear that we are to give to the elders and support those who feed us the Word, but he never said how much to give other then what you will in your heart. But for guys like Robert, they don't have enough faith in Gospel that Paul preached to fund their church. So they preach from the law of Moses and threaten sickness and poverty (the curse of the law) if you do not obey it. It's heresy. Am I bitter? I would like to think it's righteous indignation. God knows.

Hi,In response to any earlier post I would like to say that the Holy Spirit does exist and lives in each believer.I would think that it will never be fully known until eternity,like prayer,what good has been wrought by the dear Holy Spirit in believer's lives.The Holy Spirit not only in dwells each believer but also searches the depths of God.You can only be a child of God by knowing Jesus Christ as your own personal Saviour and having the Holy Spirit within you to be your helper and guide.Salvation is only by Jesus Christ as there is no other name in heaven and earth by which men(or women)can be saved as the Scriptures tell us.

I too have had a beef with this fear motivation tactic of being a cheerful giver. I looked into Deut. 14 to read FOR MYSELF what the tithe is according to God. My jaw fell open. It is NOTHING like what anyone says it is. I suggest you all go read it. You will be blessed! NOT cursed! The tithe is NOT, nor has it EVER been an offering of money to the Priests.

The funny thing is that we are either FREE to give as Jesus said (Mat 17:26)....or we are required to Give as the LAW demands.....It cannot be both

I know who I believe ...you chose if you prefer to believe a liar and a thief (Rev 2:2. Acts 20:29)

Gal 5:1-3Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. NKJV

The funny thing is that we are either FREE to give as Jesus said (Mat 17:26)....or we are required to Give as the LAW demands.....It cannot be both

I know who I believe ...you chose if you prefer to believe a liar and a thief (Rev 2:2. Acts 20:29)

Gal 5:1-3Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage. 2 Indeed I, Paul, say to you that if you become circumcised, Christ will profit you nothing. NKJV

Folks, I think one critical element is missing here, on most everyone's comments. Yes, the Bible is very clear on this topic. But what I have noticed a lack of discussion on, (and admittedly I did not read every single post as there are many), is what does the Holy Spirit tell each of you individually? Has the Holy Spirit convicted you (not condemmed!) about your giving? Just be obedient to the Holy Spirit, and see what happens. I think you will be amazed.

Praise Jesus, and bless Pastor Robert and Debbie Morris. They do amazing things for the World, and have equipped humble, generous disciples of Christ. it's easy to take one small piece of a sermon and critique every breath. Try it before criticizing. Love the last comment, let the Holy Spirit speak to you individually.

I just saw this Robert Morris today on the James Robison program. During the telecast, they showed a video of Morris preaching on tithing. In this video, he used 3 men as examples of tithing/not tithing to his wife (drawing the comparison of the bride of Christ). For the man who didn't tithe, Morris stated that he had "robbed God", "all he had would be taken from him" and he was "cursed". I'm sure there was more, but I turned the tv off, googled Morris and found this conversation.

Recently, I had a decision to make. Eat and pay the bills, or tithe. I chose to feed my son and myself and pay the bills. There wasn't enough left to tithe. I felt fearful, condemned and remorseful that I hadn't gone without some food. I didn't even go to church because I was so ashamed. Does that sound like grace?

For those who have plenty, the prosperity gospel means nothing (unless they're on the receiving end of it). It's only the poor who latch onto some legalistic formula, to find a job or keep their home against all odds.

For my part, and after much meditation on the subject, I'm glad for Robert Morris' teachings. It settled for me, once and for all, that the law is death and bondage. I choose to live by grace, and be led by the Holy Spirit in my giving.

The fact is the tithe was only given if there was food left over after the people ate it at the feasts. So some jews gave none of the tithe to the priests but actually ate it all because they were too poor. Also, the tithe was less then 1% of their income because the tithe was just 10% of the increase on their agriculture goods. The jews didn't tithe off of the increase in their housing, furniture, clothing, textiles, transportation, heating and other industries. Only about 20% of their time was spent on farming and the only paid 10% off of this 20% of their economy which amounts to 2% and then they ate at least half of it during the feast which leaves at least less then 1%.

This is explained much more thoroughly on my website I just put up www.ShouldWeTithe.com

If Robert is money hungry, like some here make him out to be, then why does he give all his money away from his book "The Blessed Life"? (Which is 7 figures I might add). And also why does he tithe 20%? Go ahead, check to see if I'm right. Robert says that God will rebuke the devourer because GOD SAID THAT HE WOULD REBUKE THE DEVOURER. Get reall people. He is one of the most respected expositors of the Gospel in the world. Yes, there are Pastors who abuse their sheep and rarely speak w/o asking for money. (I can rarely turn on A christian TV station w/o seeing). Robert Morris is not one of them. People need to get it out of their head that a big church is a bad church. A BAD CHURCH IS A BAD CHURCH, regardless of the size. There are 3 reasons why someone speaks against Robert on this issue: A) jealousy; B) lack of knowledge; C) false humility.

How do I start this..... I had rejected God and blamed Him because my 24 year "Christian" marriage had fallen apart. I had never heard of Robert Morris or Gateway Church until 5 months ago. A neighbor invited me to attend and I took a leap of faith and started to trust God again. I previously had a very comfortable amount in my investment accounts but due to recent events I was very much in debt. I leapt out in faith and started to tithe off of my unemployment check, yup, $24.34 a week, that was tough to do when you are in debt and the unemployment check is your only income. When I had millions, I gave "cheerfully" but it was never a tithe. Do I have my millions back in my investment account, no. However, I have been blessed with a new job and I have learned to live below my means and more importantly, I have a peace in my life and a relationship with God I had never know before and money can't buy that.

QUESTION: Is tithing required for New Testament believers? A BIBLICAL RESPONSE:

First of all, this post is not intended to justify the aggressive tactics of some mega-church pastors or televangelists. However, it is NOT correct to say that tithing was only practiced under the law of Moses. Tithing pre-dates the law and was practiced by Abraham when he tithed to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:20. The writer of Hebrews mentions Abraham tithing to Melchizedek in his teachings on the superiority of the new covenant over the old. Yet, he no mention is made that tithing is obsolete and to be abandoned in favor of some supposed New Testament giving. Also, Abraham was the "Father of the faithful" and Jesus said if we were the children of Abraham, we would do the works of Abraham (John 8:39). Abraham tithed long before the Law! I realize Abraham also circumcised, but the New Testament specifically tells us that circumcision is no longer required. The New Testament does not say the same for tithing.

Additionally, Jacob (long before the Moses' Law) promised to give a tenth of all his increase to God if God would bless him and be with him (see Genesis 28:22).

Tithing is the practical manifestation of the ages old requirement of OFFERING THE FIRST FRUITS TO GOD. This "Law of First-fruits" predates the law. Abel offered his first-fruits to God as did Cain shortly after the fall of humanity. The first-fruits of Israel were to be given to God. Jericho (first-fruits of Canaan) belonged to the Lord. Jesus was the "firstfruits of them that sleep in the dust."

Conclusion: Tithing predates The Law. Tithing was incorporated into The Law. Tithing continued after the Law. Tithing is an expression of the unchanging requirement to offer the first-fruits of all our increase to God. It is the fairest plan imaginable.

To relegate tithing as only under law demonstrates a superficial understanding of God's command to give Him the first-fruits in every age. However, tithing should be taught & practiced out of a love for God and His work-not fear.

QUESTION: Is tithing required for New Testament believers? A BIBLICAL RESPONSE:

First of all, this post is not intended to justify the aggressive tactics of some mega-church pastors or televangelists. However, it is NOT correct to say that tithing was only practiced under the law of Moses. Tithing pre-dates the law and was practiced by Abraham when he tithed to Melchizedek in Genesis 14:20. The writer of Hebrews mentions Abraham tithing to Melchizedek in his teachings on the superiority of the New Covenant over the old. Yet, he no mention is made that tithing is obsolete and to be abandoned in favor of some supposed New Testament giving. Also, Abraham was the "Father of the faithful" and Jesus said if we were the children of Abraham, we would do the works of Abraham (John 8:39). Abraham tithed long before the Law! I realize Abraham also circumcised, but the New Testament specifically tells us that circumcision is no longer required. The New Testament does not say the same for tithing.

Additionally, Jacob (long before the Moses' Law) promised to give a tenth of all his increase to God if God would bless him and be with him (see Genesis 28:22).

Tithing is the practical manifestation of the ages old requirement of OFFERING THE FIRST FRUITS TO GOD. This "Law of First-fruits" predates the law. Abel offered his first-fruits to God as did Cain shortly after the fall of humanity. The first-fruits of Israel were to be given to God. Jericho (first-fruits of Canaan) belonged to the Lord. Jesus was the "firstfruits of them that sleep in the dust."

Conclusion: Tithing predates Mosaic Law. Tithing was incorporated into the Law. Tithing continued after Moses' Law. Tithing is obeying God's unchanging requirement honor Him with the first-fruits of all our increase. It is the fairest plan imaginable.

To relegate tithing as only under Mosaic Law demonstrates a superficial understanding of God's command to give Him the first-fruits in every age. However, tithing should be taught & practiced out of a love for God and His work-not fear.

I'm not here to extol or deny the viability of tithing. I'm here to ask, "Have you ever read 'touch not mine anointed and do my prophets no harm?'" Regardless whether Robert Morris is wrong or right, somewhere down the line God called and anointed him and I believe that means hands (and mouths) off. Who called you to be a watchdog?

WOE TO YOU WHO CALL GOOD EVIL AND EVIL GOOD. YOU RUE ASTRAY FROM GOD'S WORD BECAUSE IT SOOTHS YOUR GUILT. BUT WE WILL ALL STAND BEFORE GOD AND GIVE ACCOUNT OF OUR DEEDS AND WORDS. BE SURE YOU ARE RIGHT IN YOUR COMMENTS.

For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse: for it is written, Cursed is every one that continueth not in all things which are written in the book of the law to do them.11But that no man is justified by the law in the sight of God, it is evident: for, The just shall live by faith.12And the law is not of faith: but, The man that doeth them shall live in them.13Christ hath redeemed us from the curse of the law, being made a curse for us: for it is written, Cursed is every one that hangeth on a tree:If Jesus redeemed us from the curse,who is Robert Morris to tell us we are still under it?

From reading your posts, not one of you must tithe to God, as the Word commands us to be obedient to what is His return on money that He has given to all of you. God doesn't have money problems since He owns all of it...so if you've got money problems, reality is you've got problems with God. You will block your own blessings.How's that working out for you?

Apparently you have never said anything for emphasis or tried to make a point (...I believe in Gods faithfulness so testing them with a money back guarantee...) . You also have never listened to a whole sermon series from him or experienced the ministry opportunities available at this church. How about we deal with the specks in our own eyes before we start judging. His church does more good and has seen more miracles, paid more single parent and hurting families bills, fed (spiritually and physically) more people than you can imagine. Gateway is the top giving(tithing) churches in america, and because of their giving(tithing) they are able to reach people and do all they do. Ps Robert doesn't pocket the money. Shame on you for assuming that. He says to "give to your local church"!... NOT 'give only to gateway'. If people are tithing and have testimonies about it who are you to condemn the pastor leading them? This church also is the largest or one of the largest employers in dfw giving 1500+ people jobs to provide for their families. You don't know the sr pastors income (and it isn't any of your business), but it isn't doesn't fluctuate with more people giving/tithing. It is a set amount. Let's educate ourselves before we start calling people "snakeoil salesman". If everyone in the church would tithe we could effectively wipe out hunger and homelessness... (http://www.relevantmagazine.com/god/church/what-would-happen-if-church-tithed) And we would be blessed on top of it. I love being blessed but even more than that I love doing what God has asked me to do. That gives me joy knowing I am pleasing God. Let's stop accusing churches/ pastors/ ministries, that are doing GOOD for the broken, homeless, unfed, in prison, orphans, widows.

"Then the King will say to those on His right hand, ‘Come, you blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world: for I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in; I was naked and you clothed Me; I was sick and you visited Me; I was in prison and you came to Me.’ And the King will answer and say to them, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did it to one of the least of these My brethren, you did it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:34-36, 40 NKJV)

How can the church do these things in a large capacity without the body of Christ uniting as one body!!!

This comment is not my judgement. The following are simply facts & observations concerning this topic. 1.) You have taken an entire sermon video and edited it to suit your opinion. Anyone with some basic computer skills can do this to suit their personal agendas. It's nothing more than "Spin 101". News organizations do it 24 hours a day,every day. 2.) Your posted credentials appear to indicate an expertise & love for dogs. It is unclear to me how this translates into a command of the Bible. Perhaps you could post a comparison of how your Biblical knowledge, education, and practice stack up to the subject of your video; Or, update the "About Me" section of your website. I can't help to think you may be concealing your credentials for some reason. 3.) It is also obvious to me that you have not met Robert Morris, interviewed him or anyone from his church or congregation. It is also obvious to me that you are attemtping to report some type of deception or warning to the masses through your blogs. It is also apparent that you spend a great deal of your time to do so. 4.) For all intensive purposes, in our modern society tithing is no newer a biblical concept as prayer. Every pastor preaches the topic.

A spin? No, actually it's just a 3 minute video of Robert Morris himself talking about how you are getting sick and your children are dying because you do not take at least 10% of your paycheck and pay it to his company. On the contrary a spin always starts with statements like yours where you poke at a mans credentials and qualifications. that way you can SPIN the conversation to no longer be about the topic at hand. Your method is classic deception in its purest form. First you alledge that your opponent is spinning the subject without providing any evidence and then you spin it yourself. Classic hypocracy. Just like the Pharisees did with John the Baptist and Jesus himself. "No good thing can come out of Galilee".

You are classic liberal talk show rederick. You suggest that there is some requirement that one must interview those with whom he disagrees before he has any right to creteke them. I don't need to interview Obama or Opera to know they have belief systems that are innaccurate and even poisonous. Did Paul interview peter before he judge him in front of everyone for his hipocracy in shunning Gentiles only when Jews showed up?

All of your arguments like all the other "pro-tithers" on this thread are not rooted in scripture but in emotional blabbing, status quo and traditions of men. Hence your last argument closes with. "Every pastor preaches the topic".

Your a follower and not a leader. You look to interviews, credentials, and what the general population of pastors are preaching. Well when you fall into that ditch the blind are leading you to maybe then you will go to scripture and realize Gods blessing are ALL given freely by Faith through Grace ! Jesus said " whatever things you ask when you pray believe that you receive it and ye shall have it". Whereas the old covenant blessings were not based so much on faith but on works. Now which covenant was Robert teaching in that video clip above?

The new testament teaches free will giving,100%-1% what ever the holy spirits leads.how do you know if it is the holy spirit?The holy spirit will testify about jesus ONLY.These saints here are trying to help your lack of understanding of the scriptures.If anything try to see that old testament tithing was just practice for new testament free will giving.And in doing not expecting a "return " on your investment.just from love and direction from the spirit of jesus.Your very blessed who ever you are that wants to continue in your bling following of wealth and prosperity false teachers that these true christians who read their bible are willing to help you,Because these true followers of christ jesus could qoute revelations1 Let the unrighteous go on in unrighteousness; let the filthy go on being made filthy; let the righteous go on in righteousness; and let the holy go on being made holy.”

I didn't take the time to read all of these comments but a little over a year ago, God placed us at Gateway Church and before we even heard Pastor Robert speak about tithing we felt led to give not only 0% but sometimes up at 40% of our income that month and we are a newlywed couple in our early 20's. Since we have become faithful tithers (not to just 10% but whatever God leads us to that month) we have seen so many amazing things happen in our finances and in our family's business. But people at Gateway are proud to be the most giving church and to belong to such an amazing family. 100% of what we have is from God. It's a shame we complain about giving back 10% to his kingdom, for his people, for a good cause.

When u leave your 10% dont forget to leave a animale offering as well.IT IS ALL OLD TESTAMENT TEACHING FOR ISRAEL.it stopped in the new testament.Why wont your pastor teach you people the truth?Please ,please,Read the bible yoyr self!

"Genesis 4:3-5 And in the end of days, it happened, Cain brought to Jehovah an offering of the fruit of the ground. And Abel also brought of the firstlings of his flock and of the fat of it. And Jehovah had respect to Abel and to his offering, but He did not have respect to Cain and to his offering. And Cain glowed with anger, and his face fell."

The New Testament is the fullfillment of the new covenant of God to men as written in the Old Testament in

"Ezekiel 36:26-27 And I will give you a new heart, and I will put a new spirit within you. And I will take away the stony heart out of your flesh, and I will give you a heart of flesh. And I will put My Spirit within you and cause you to walk in My statutes, and you shall keep My judgments and do them."

What was Jesus Christ refering to when he said " and the things of God to God per say in the New Testament written by Mark in

"Mark 12:13-17 And they sent some of the Pharisees and of the Herodians to Him, that they might catch Him in a word. And coming, they said to Him, Teacher, we know that You are true, and there is not a care to You about anyone, for You do not look to the face of men, but teach on the way of God in truth: Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar, or not? Should we give, or should we not give? But knowing their hypocrisy, He said to them, Why do you tempt Me? Bring Me a denarius that I may see. And they brought one. And He said to them, Whose image and inscription is this? And they said to Him, Caesar's. And answering, Jesus said to them, Give back the things of Caesar to Caesar, and the things of God to God. And they marveled at Him.

Think about these words of Jesus Christ Himself in

"Matthew 5:17-19 Do not think that I came to annul the Law or the Prophets; I did not come to annul, but to fulfill. Truly I say to you, Until the heaven and the earth pass away, in no way shall one iota or one point pass away from the Law until all comes to pass. Therefore, whoever relaxes one of these commandments, the least, and shall teach men so, he shall be called least in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever does and teaches them, this one shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.

We are not saved under the Law but according to the Law. And it is clear when Jesus Christ said that "But whoever does and teaches them, this one shall be called great in the kingdom of Heaven."

So in keeping the law correctly are you sacrificing animales,,or are you picking and choosing how you want to read the scriptures?Amazing in the N.T. we are not told to sacrifice like in the O.T.,,Thank you for my first morning laugh.

You must set aside a tithe of your crops—one-tenth of all the crops you harvest each year. Bring this tithe to the designated place of worship—the place the LORD your God chooses for his name to be honored—and eat it there in his presence. This applies to your tithes of grain, new wine, olive oil, and the firstborn males of your flocks and herds. Doing this will teach you always to fear the LORD your God.

Now when the LORD your God blesses you with a good harvest, the place of worship he chooses for his name to be honored might be too far for you to bring the tithe. If so, you may sell the tithe portion of your crops and herds, put the money in a pouch, and go to the place the LORD your God has chosen. When you arrive, you may use the money to buy any kind of food you want—cattle, sheep, goats, wine, or other alcoholic drink. Then feast there in the presence of the LORD your God and celebrate with your household. And do not neglect the Levites in your town, for they will receive no allotment of land among you.

You shall truly tithe all the increase of your seed, that the field brings forth year by year.And you shall eat before the LORD your God, in the place which he shall choose to place his name there, the TITHE of your GRAIN, of your WINE, and of your OIL, and the firstlings of your HERDS and of your FLOCKS; that you may learn to fear the LORD your God always.And if the way is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry it; or if the place is too far from you, which the LORD your God shall choose to set his name there, when the LORD your God has blessed you:Then shall you turn it into MONEY, and bind up the MONEY in your hand, and shall go unto the place which the LORD your God shall choose:And you shall bestow that MONEY for whatsoever your soul desires, for oxen, or for sheep, or for wine, or for drink, or for whatsoever YOUR SOUL DESIRES: and you shall eat there before the LORD your God, and you shall rejoice, YOU, and YOUR household,And the Levite (paster maybe now today) that is within your gates; you shall not forsake him;( for he has no part nor inheritance with you.)At the end of three years you shall bring forth all the tithe of your increase the same year, and shall lay it up within YOUR gates:And the Levite, (because he has no part nor inheritance with you,) and the stranger, and the fatherless, and the widow, who are within YOUR gates, shall come, and shall eat and be satisfied; that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of YOUR hand which YOU do.Seems do be a difference between food and money here, ,,huh,,I don't remember my pastor telling me about this in church,or using the tithe money on what I want,,,,huh,,,Goodness what bible is this I'm reading?I know my paster said to bring my tithe to his church or I will be cursed!this passage says the opposite, I will be blessed if I do what this scripture says.I wonder who I should believe, Jesse duplantis, or the word of almighty god?Can some one here tell me what to do please?I know He needs my money to fuel his jet.but should I use it for what this scripture says?

When Jesus said that He did not come to destroy the Law and that it would not pass away until all things were fulfilled, He asserted that the Law was going to remain in effect for the purpose of showing people their need for salvation. Jesus said that He came to fulfill the Law, and He did so by living a life in total obedience to the Law, and by dying for us who did not live in total obedience to the Law. In addition to fulfilling the demands of the Law, Jesus fulfilled the prophetic foreshadowings and inferences that were presented in the Law.Please feel free to read the scriptures in CONTEXT instead of distortion!

I have a hard time reading all these comments without seeing that the true issue is the love of money itself and what it represents -- security and position. Those who cannot trust God are stingy with what they give Him. They resent the tithe because they hate to give it. The tithe was only the starting place because Jesus likens the law to a school teacher. The tithe was the first grade. The New Testament takes us beyond the first grade and tells us to give it all -- at least in our hearts. God allows us to keep some for our needs but has the right to ask for it whenever He wants to. God's biggest competitor is money because we so easily turn to money for our security instead of to Him. If you want to see someone grow in their faith, tell them to tithe. Someone taught me to tithe when I was trying to eat off of $12 a week. I had just come to God at the time and I saw Him do amazing things in my behalf as I gave Him what He asked for as a first-grader (10%). When I grew in my faith, I gave Him more and more because I saw how He kept His promises. He is so faithful! Please don't bad-mouth the tithe and discourage anyone from tithing because they are "under grace" -- because someone who is as poor as I was will never think they can afford to tithe and will never see what God can do and will never learn to trust Him for their supply and sufficiency. Their faith will be under-developed. Yes, I advocate giving God the first 10% before any other bills are paid. That is an exercise in faith and without faith it is impossible to please God. He asked us to test Him. I know a business man (an atheist) who got saved because he was challenged to tithe by his Christian wife. He did and saw the results. God speaks (especially to men) through their wallets. Don't devalue that. Sure, under grace, they could give it all, but for the "test" God only asked them to try Him with 10% -- and it still works in our century! Jesus said we shouldn't stop with the tithe but add mercy to it, but not to leave the other (the tithe) undone. If He didn't want us to tithe, He had plenty of chances to say so plainly since surely He knew that someday the command to do so would be challenged. Tithing was never a means to atone for sin so Jesus' death on the cross did not displace it as it did the ceremonial sacrifices that were part of the old law. I have met, personally, many tithers and have never one time found anyone who was sorry. That is why Robert Morris could make such a bold offer. Someone can write a comment on the internet and say they tried it and regretted it, when they really had not tried it at all. But I have never known anyone up close in real life (who could be checked out) who tried it and discovered that God did not keep His promises after all--- for whatever reason (such as we are now under grace).

A 10 % is o.testament,we are under grace not the law! We are under free will giving now 0%~110% it is what ever the holy spirit directs.your paster will not tell you this therefore you should study the scriptures correctly to know the truth.if you give 100% and recieve nothing in return to a true christian it is not about a return on your investment but doing what the lord leads you to give free willingly out of love.you dont want to give more than 10% because your cheap!you only give not out of love but for a profit!understand this, jesus god does not owe you anyhing! We owe him everything for what he has and continues to do.you want to give to get.true christians give (money) out of love with no expectations of payback or a profit.

Pastor Robert Morris is a gift from God. So happy for his surrender to Christ and his lifestyle of sharing the goodness of God - Gateway church is doing such a tremendous move of leading others to connect with God through the Word and His Spirit. Be blessed!

FBC Jax Watchdogs, I'm going to assume FBC stands for First Baptist Church, and if so that makes this post even more egregious than it already was. Anyone with even a basic knowledge of the Bible knows that the word tithe means "tenth." So, it is THE BIBLE and not Robert Morris or any other pastor who commands that we give 10%, it is the word of God. Unless of course you don't believe the Word of God to be the Word of God which would not at all surprise me. I think what's got you guys in such an uproar is that Robert Morris is teaching actual scripture, actual biblical truth, which flies in the face of your man made Baptist doctrine. If it doesn't line up with the "Baptist Faith & Message" you don't want to hear it. So who exactly is being deceived? I was saved at age 7 in a Southern Baptist church and thank God for that experience. I also thank God that he delivered me from the Baptist church and has allowed me to learn and grow more in Him. Pastor Robert Morris teaches the uncompromised, unvarnished, and unfiltered Word of God. My guess it is the unfiltered part you have the most problem with because it isn't watered down to fit within the wall of your rigid, deceptive doctrine.

I have visited Gateway numerous times and the church has no cross ANYWHERE. Outside or inside. The real question is about the teaching of Jesus and the resurrection. I actually asked the man wearing a name tag saying "head deacon", and he said "no, we don't have a cross here". Personally, that's all I needed to know. It takes work to omit the cross in a Christian church. I guess this isn't actually a Christian church.

It's interesting that in today's Western church that so many attack bible preaching pastors like Robert Morris. I have listened to numerous teachings, including the one in question on tithing. He is absolutely correct biblically! Come on people, 2 Timothy 4:3-4 For the time is coming when people will not tolerate endure sound and wholesome instruction, but, having ears itching for something pleasing and gratifying, they will gather to themselves one teacher after another to a considerable number, chosen to satisfy their own liking and to foster the errors they hold, And will turn aside from hearing the truth and wander off into myths and man-made fictions. This is what is happening to the American church. Get the spirit of the word and get out of your carnal thinking. Gods ways are not our ways. If your money is more important to you than The Lord, then keep it. The question is, how much self do you have in you and how much of The Lord is in you. Get with God and ask him that, he will show you if you have an ear to hear.

This is one of the most disingenuous articles I've ever seen. Whoever wrote this has obviously never bothered to actually listen to a single Robert Morris sermon. I have never heard a preacher use more scripture or do more expository than Morris. Sorry his church is bigger than yours, but it is Biblically solid.

I do not know this pastor, and have never met him before, but he is telling the TRUTH. I have tried it both ways. IT WORKS, IT WORKS, IT WORKS!!!. I had extremely bad experiences when I stopped paying. Currently, I am experiencing supernatural blessings. My testimonies will blow your mind.

Appreciate the discussion. I have been one who struggled in this area. Learnd that givers are always blessed, and blessed in many ways. Google and find many people who've not held back and you will be amazed at who you find were givers. Try giving - know what you are giving to! The worst that can happen is someone else gets fed, clothed, cared for in so many ways. I have not "split hairs" with God between gross or net so God doesn't have to split hairs back to me. Be blessed.

Please, please, please. If you don't have it to give monetarily, give of your time. The Bible does tell us to tithe. There are preachers in small churches that preach tithing--apparently you're not visiting those Churches on the days they are addressing it. Tithing to the Church helps keep the Church open, too, (the yard mowed, the cemetery up, etc, water bill paid, electricity, etc, etc.). I have experienced both sides..not tithing and recently began tithing. Neither my husband or I are able to work--we are disabled and have a meager income--(don't judge, I make my own way gardening, etc), we tithe money, garden, everything, and have been blessed beyond measure since we began tithing. (And not just to the Church). We don't go out on the corner and announce what we have done. Now, to those who have lost jobs, etc...maybe God has taken you out of those situations for a reason...something good is about to happen if you lean on him! Don't be angry! Be thankful for what you have and his goodness! He loves you! I will be praying for you!

I talk based on my own, my mom and best friend experiences, we are giving not from our abundance, but we want to be faithful to Him, we want to obey Him. And you know what? never once we are lacking of anything. Always there is a way that we receive what we need, remember the key is need not want. I do believe also He can take care our lives if we didn't give tithes. But this tithe I believe is a way for Him to make us growing in faith, in believing He is the provider not money itself, it is more like when we give out of our necessity, we learn to be faithful, to have faith and cast out our worry about our life, what we will eat what we will wear, and yes it also shape our character too. I can proof it so do people I know.

Modern day monetary tithing is perhaps by far the most damaging doctrine of demons because look at how it caused cancer and disease in the Body of Christ and paralyzed the Great Commission. The Great Commission would be finished by now! https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10203189547726567&set=gm.10154914464025022&type=1&theater

Gateway teaches that Southlake, Texas has the highest per capita income of any city in the nation because God is blessing the city because Gateway is there serving God. This logic is flawed for so many reasons. Without a doubt Gateway has been serving the Kool Aid and many, many have been drinking it.

I think there are many people conned by Robert Morris. I have visited Gateway I often wonder if he actually believes some of the stuff he is selling. His latest month of messages on tithing made me want to never go back. You are cursed if you don't give 10% of your salary to gateway church...Oh and don't think of giving it to the poor or splitting it among Christian organizations.....The Storehouse is Gateway Church!!! You need to pay Gateway Church before you pay your mortgage, before you pay your electric bill or anything else....As I was walking out the guy next me mumbled that guy Morris doesn't need any more money, he already has more money than God.

Really? JimBob, brother! Some of the scripture you have presented in your argument have fallen flat. Simply due to the fact, some of your key scriptures used were taken out of its original context to fulfill your achievement in this debate. When you take scripture and use it out of its original context it is like spiritual abortion. Rather Pastor Morris does it or not, you are not that much different from debating a different point of view. I say this to expose a flaw, so that it can be tended to.

His book is compelling. If his own personal experiences weren't true someone would have called him out on it already -- but this has not happened. His stories of how he came to tythe are true and amazing and a blessing. It seems this article is twisting the bible's words. In addition, simply because the new testament does not state laws, does not mean that we can ignore the old testament. For example, the old testament says to not murder. Does this mean that since it does not state this law in the new testament that it is now okay? To whomever reads this, read the book yourself and decide for yourself versus what others think.

"If his own personal experiences weren't true..." False. See Ergun Caner and many many other Charlatans.

"His stories are true..." Maybe

The OT says not to murder, does this mean its now okay?' The Bible has nothing to do with whether murder is okay. Our laws that give the death penalty or life in prison for doing so are what matter! The Old Testament also says to own slaves, kill children, rape women, and kill other nations. Do we still have to do that too? Read my more recent posts. Your kind of thinking can be hurtful and dangerous.

About Me

We're small, insignificant, and harmless. But we have a loud, piercing bark that seems to annoy those in mega churches the most. Not Kool-Aid drinkers, only fresh, filtered water, please; with Grape or Cherry flavoring from Walmart. "Let him alone; God hath bidden him to speak:"